Outline of the state of Rhode Island
State
Rhode Island
Addressed

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

State law addresses concussions/return to play.

216-RICR-20-10-4.21.8 Concussions/Head Injuries in Recreational and/or Athletic Competition

A. A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game related to recreational and/or athletic competition must be removed from that practice or competition at that time. B. A youth athlete who has been removed from play may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed physician and until the athlete receives written clearance to return to play from that licensed physician. C. A report of a concussion or head injury and written clearance to return to play should be logged in the student's health record. D. All coaches, trainers and volunteers involved in youth recreational and/or athletic competition must complete a training course, and a refresher course annually thereafter, in concussions and traumatic brain injuries. E. All school nurses must complete a training course and an annual refresher course in concussions and traumatic brain injuries. F. School districts and schools are required to use training materials of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention entitled "Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports/Concussion in Youth Sports" or materials substantially equivalent.

Policy Type
Regulation

State of Rhode Island General Laws § 16-91-3. School district's guidelines to be developed and implemented.

(c) School districts are encouraged to have all student athletes perform baseline neuropsychological testing, computerized or otherwise. Parents and/or guardians shall be provided with information as to the risk of concussion and/or traumatic brain injuries prior to the start of every sport season and they shall sign an acknowledgement as to their receipt of such information.

(d) A youth athlete, who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game, shall be removed from competition at that time.

(e) A youth athlete, who has been removed from play, may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed physician who may consult with an athletic trainer, all of whom shall be trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. The athlete must receive written clearance to return to play from that licensed physician.

(f) All school districts are encouraged to have an athletic trainer, or similarly trained person, at all recreational and athletic events addressed by this statute.

Policy Type
Statute